Japhet, in Search of a Father eBook

It was some time before we were sufficiently composed
to enter into conversation, and then I tried my utmost
to please him. Still, there was naturally a restraint
on both sides, but I was so particular and devoted
in my attentions, so careful of giving offence, that
when he complained of weariness, and a wish to retire,
he stipulated that I should be with him to breakfast
on the next morning.

I hastened to Mr Masterton, although it was late,
to communicate to him all that had passed; he heard
me with great interest. “Japhet,”
said he, “you have done well—­it is
the proudest day of your life. You have completely
mastered him. The royal Bengal tiger is tamed.
I wish you joy, my dear fellow. Now I trust that
all will be well. But keep your own counsel,
do not let this be known at Reading. Let them
still imagine that your father is as passionate as
ever, which he will be, by-the-bye, with everybody
else. You have still to follow up your success,
and leave me to help you in other matters.”

I returned home to the Piazza, and, thankful to Heaven
for the events of the day, I soon fell fast asleep,
and dreamt of Susannah Temple. The next morning
I was early at the Adelphi hotel; my father had not
yet risen, but the native servants who passed in and
out, attending upon him, and who took care to give
me a wide berth, had informed him that “Burra
Saib’s” son was come, and he sent for me.
His leg was very painful and uncomfortable, and the
surgeon had not yet made his appearance. I arranged
it as before, and he then dressed, and came out to
breakfast. I had said nothing before the servants,
but as soon as he was comfortable on the sofa I took
his hand, and kissed it, saying, “Good morning,
my dear father; I hope you do not repent of your kindness
to me yesterday.”

“No, no; God bless you, boy. I’ve
been thinking of you all night.”

“All’s right,” thought I; “and
I trust to be able to keep it so.”

I shall pass over a fortnight, during which I was
in constant attendance upon my father. At times
he would fly out in a most violent manner, but I invariably
kept my temper, and when it was all over, would laugh
at him, generally repeating and acting all which he
had said and done during his paroxysm. I found
this rather dangerous ground at first, but by degrees
he became used to it, and it was wonderful how it acted
as a check upon him. He would not at first believe
but that I exaggerated, when the picture was held
up to his view and he was again calm. My father
was not naturally a bad-tempered man, but having been
living among a servile race, and holding high command
in the army, he had gradually acquired a habit of
authority and an impatience of contradiction which
was unbearable to all around. Those who were
high-spirited and sensitive shunned him; the servile
and the base continued with him for their own interests,
but trembled at his wrath. I had during this time
narrated to my father the events of my life, and,